This blend of Cabernet, Merlot, and Zinfandel is in what we would call the mass-market Australian style. In other words, bursting with jammy fruit, lacking discernible tannins, and packing noticeable sweetness (at just over 1% residual sugar, it’s technically off-dry). If you like this style, give the Ménage à Trois a swirl.

We have tasted and enjoyed (but not reviewed) earlier vintages of this South African Pinotage, so we had high hopes for the 2010. Unfortunately, it falls a bit short. Though the smokey, almost rustic, flavor so typical of Pinotage is on full display, the fruit tastes stewed—dangerously approaching sweetness. It is, nevertheless, a drinkable wine at a decent price. And it’s true to the variety. It deserves a star.

We feel confident in saying that this wine will not appeal to most tasters. One of us described the palate as almost-rotten fruit, soy sauce, and green vegetable. Another described it more succinctly as smelling like a dried Italian sausage. On the palate, there was a pronounced oakiness, almost like smoked mesquite wood. One of us thought the whole package was a disaster, while the other thought it was interesting and different enough to merit (just barely) one star.

Though definitely a fruit bomb, we found this one a little more complex than the typical Australian Shiraz blend offered at this price. The nose offers up tobacco, leather, sandalwood, and pepper. The palate entry is surprisingly tart, with a strong taste of sour cherry. Proceed with caution, though, as one of us thought the fruit was overripe. A blend of 55% Shiraz, 28% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 17% Petit Verdot.